The 1980/81 season saw a Liverpool side struggle with injuries and ultimately struggle with their league form. But in Europe it was business as usual and come April they were ready to face Bayern Munich in the semi final of the European Cup.

The first game at Anfield ended in a scoreless draw, and with Liverpool missing captain Phil Thompson and left back Alan Kennedy, the Germans were rated clear favourites to reach the final.

Liverpool lined up like this: Ray Clemence; Phil Neal, Richard Money, Colin Irwin, Alan Hansen; Sammy Lee, Greame Souness, Terry McDermott, Ray Kennedy; Kenny Dalglish, David Johnson

After just seven minutes Liverpool's problems increased when Kenny Dalglish had to leave the field following a wild tackle by Calle Del Haye. Bob Paisley then introduced Howard Gayle.

Gayle's only first team experience at that time was an appearance as a substitute against Man C in October, but still it was to be a typical Paisley masterstroke. With his pace and close control Gayle unsettled the Munich defence and he should have earned Liverpool a first half penalty after being fouled by Dremmler.

In the second half Liverpool, against all odds, took control of the game. But Gayle, after an excellent performance, was tiring and had to be replaced by Jimmy Case. Liverpool had made both their substitutions and with both Souness and Johnson carrying knocks, Paisley knew they wouldn't stand a chance if the game went into extra time.

So he pushed Ray Kennedy up front, which was to be another masterstroke. Seven minutes before full time a long clearance from Ray Clemence found David Johnson on the right. He played a great ball to Kennedy, who controlled the ball with his first touch, and with the second hit an unstoppable volley past Walter Junghans.

With only minutes remaining Bayern Munich needed two goals to go through. They managed an equaliser three minutes before the end, through Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, but when Ray Clemence produced a brilliant save from Norbert Janzon in the dying seconds, Liverpool were through to the final on the away goal rule.

This was Liverpools 113th game in Europe and probably their greatest achievment. And what happened a month later in Paris, we all know!

 

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